Message from the dean

The School of Dentistry, Kyushu University, traces its origins back to 1922, when the Division of Dentistry was established within the School of Medicine. In 1967, it became independent as the School of Dentistry. Over more than a century of history, our predecessors have devoted themselves to the advancement of dental science through the integrated efforts of education, research, and clinical practice. In 2017, we marked the significant milestone of our 50th anniversary as an independent school. On this occasion, we established a new logo symbolizing the four key concepts of “global,” “transmission of information,” “dentistry,” and “future,” and renewed our determination to become a “Global Hub for Dental Science”—a center that learns from the world and disseminates knowledge of dental science to the global community. Looking toward the next half century, we have adopted the slogan “Inheritance, Breakthrough, and Initiative,” which reflects our strong commitment to carrying forward the legacy and wisdom of our predecessors, achieving further advancement, and taking a leading role in shaping the future of dental science.

The Faculty of Dental Science has embraced the philosophy of “Overall Well-being through Oral Health” and, since its 2000 reorganization as part of Japan’s graduate school prioritization policy, has advanced education, research, and clinical practice in a highly integrated manner. In 2015, we established the OBT Research Center (Oral Health/Brain Health/Total Health Research Center) to comprehensively explore the interrelationships among oral, brain, and systemic health. Subsequently, in 2021, we founded the DDR Research Center (Dento-craniofacial Development and Regeneration Research Center) to promote research in craniofacial development and regenerative medicine. With these two centers serving as core driving forces, we are advancing cutting-edge research that bridges basic science and clinical application, thereby strengthening our position as an internationally recognized research hub.

In the field of education, we aim to cultivate dental professionals and researchers who can think independently, act proactively, and contribute meaningfully to society. By strengthening fundamental academic skills and providing early support systems, we foster each student’s capacity for self-directed learning. In addition to striving for a 100% pass rate on the National Examination for Dentists among new graduates, we established the Master’s Program in Oral Science in 2022 to accommodate diverse career paths. This program enables us to nurture individuals capable of bridging clinical practice, research, and industry. In the doctoral program, we have enhanced English-language education and international collaborative initiatives, welcoming students from a wide range of regions, including Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Through these efforts, we seek to develop dental professionals who are trusted globally and to fulfill our role as a true “Global Hub.”

Another distinctive feature of our Faculty is the close integration of research and clinical practice. In collaboration with Kyushu University Hospital, we have established a cycle of innovation in which the outcomes of basic research are translated into clinical practice, while insights gained from clinical settings are fed back into research—“from bench to bedside and ultimately to society.” This cycle creates a dynamic environment in which education, research, and healthcare mutually enhance one another, thereby contributing to the extension of healthy life expectancy.

We also place strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. In 2025, the Faculty welcomed its first female professor, marking a significant step toward greater diversity within the organization. We will continue to foster an open environment in which individuals from diverse backgrounds respect one another and can fully demonstrate their abilities. At the same time, by promoting external funding and strengthening collaboration with industry, government, and international institutions, we are committed to enhancing our financial foundation and advancing transparent and reliable university management.

Today, more than two decades after the corporatization of national universities in Japan, the environment surrounding higher education is undergoing rapid transformation. Even amid such change, the Faculty of Dental Science at Kyushu University upholds the core principle of “creation and co-creation through the integration of education, research, and clinical practice,” and will continue to open new frontiers with the collective efforts of faculty, staff, and students. Guided by the spirit of “Inheritance, Breakthrough, and Initiative,” it is our mission to contribute to the extension of healthy life expectancy and the realization of well-being in society through dental science.

Kyushu University has established “Kyushu University VISION 2030,” which outlines its path toward becoming “a university that drives social change with integrative knowledge.” As part of this vision, the Faculty of Dental Science will move forward together with local communities and people around the world, while continuing to create new value as an academic hub with a forward-looking perspective.

Through these efforts, and in harmony with the goals of VISION 2030, we strive to contribute to the realization of well-being for all, beginning with oral health.

We sincerely appreciate your continued understanding and support.

Dean, Faculty of Dental Science, Graduate School of Dental Science, School of Dentistry
Eijiro Jimi, DDS, PhD